Veteran TV journalist shares his story

“Can you cure cancer by throwing money at it? Oh, yes, you can,” veteran ABC newsman Sam Donaldson said.

The former co-anchor of ABC’s “Prime Time Live” came to the annual Circle 1000 brunch benefiting the Hoag Hospital Cancer Center to share his story of surviving cancer.

It was the 19th such event, held at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach and chaired by Vicki Booth, with support from founding chair Sandy Sewell and underwriting chair Lynn Thomas. An impressive $805,000 was raised at the morning gathering.

“We must put pressure on the federal government to help out,” an animated Donaldson said, raising his voice and his arms to make his point. “The budget at NIH should be doubled for cancer research. Instead, the 2007 budget proposes cuts,” he said, adding, “Perhaps we’re saving money in case we need it to go to Iran.”

Donaldson’s liberal point of view was not lost on the largely conservative Orange County audience. Healthcare, and in particular cancer research and treatment, is of utmost importance to all attending the event. In fact, as is the group’s tradition, a moment was taken for all in the room who have survived or are battling cancer to stand and be recognized. Half of the more than 500 people stood.

“Promising advances must be supported,” Donaldson said. “If we cure cancer, we will surely cure the Medicare deficit. Social Security may suffer, but that’s another story.”

Donaldson survived stage-3 melanoma. “I thought I had three months to get my life in order ? the horrible three-month warning,” he said.

But three months after surgery, Donaldson was back at work. His doctor, Steve Rosenberg of the National Cancer Institute, kept Donaldson positive and upbeat.

“We citizens must pressure Congress to allocate more money for healthcare and in particular cancer research,” he said. Quoting former President Ronald Reagan, Donaldson said, “You don’t have to make them see the light, just make them feel the heat.”

Founded by Sewell in 1988, Circle 1000 has raised some $7 million for research and treatment at the Hoag Cancer Center. Major support this year and throughout the history of the organization has come from Hyla Bertea, Arden Flamson, Betty Grazer, Jodi Greenbaum, Nora Johnson, Gini Robins, Judy Steele and Ginny Ueberroth.

Additional major donors include Marion Knott, Zee Allred, Nancy Baldwin, P.J. and Bill Burke, Susan Bartlett and Edouard de Limburg, Lisa and Victor Assad, Melinda and Tony Moiso, Priscilla Moore, Janet Curci Walsh, Lynette and Richard Berg, and Helen and Bill Close.

Guests at the brunch received a copy of the touching book by Newport writer Sally Welsh, “Lemons Really Do Make Lemonade.” Also a survivor of melanoma, Welsh shares her inspirational journey as she becomes a member of “the cancer club.” Donaldson told the crowd, “I was drafted into the cancer club ? just like all of you. This is a club nobody wants to join!”

One final note: Donaldson did not accept a speaking fee from Circle 1000.